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Slice of moist coconut cake recipe with layered crumb, cream cheese frosting, and shredded coconut topping

Coconut Cake with Coconut Milk and Shredded Coconut

This coconut cake recipe makes a moist, tender dessert with a soft crumb and rich coconut flavor from coconut milk and shredded coconut. It is an easy choice for gatherings, celebrations, or anyone craving a classic homemade cake.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry ingredients
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet ingredients
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 383 g) canned coconut milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
Coconut
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Frosting
  • Cream cheese frosting, optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C and prepare two 9-inch cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
  2. Beat the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the eggs individually, fully incorporating each one before adding the next.
  4. Combine the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  5. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in alternating portions with the coconut milk and buttermilk, stirring only until the batter comes together.
  6. Gently mix in the coconut flakes and coconut extract until evenly distributed.
Baking
  1. Split the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  3. Leave the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then move them to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting and Serving
  1. Spread cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake layers if desired, or serve the cake without frosting.

Notes

For a smoother batter, use room-temperature butter and eggs. Avoid overmixing once the flour has been added.